Hildenbrand, J.J.HildenbrandHerbst, J.J.HerbstWöllenstein, J.J.WöllensteinLambrecht, A.A.Lambrecht2022-03-1115.5.20092009https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/36200010.1117/12.80897610.24406/publica-r-3620002-s2.0-62449231956Stand-off and extractive explosive detection methods for short distances are investigated using mid-infrared laser spectroscopy. A quantum cascade laser (QCL) system for TATP-detection by open path absorption spectroscopy in the gas phase was developed. In laboratory measurements a detection limit of 5 ppm*m was achieved. For explosives with lower vapor pressure an extractive hollow fiber based measurement system was investigated. By thermal desorption gaseous TATP or TNT is introduced into a heated fiber. The small sample volume and a fast gas exchange rate enable fast detection. TNT and TATP detection levels below 100 ng are feasible even in samples with a realistic contaminant background.enMIR laser spectroscopyQCLexplosive detectionstand-off-detectionopen path621conference paper